In the first game at the Madejski Stadium it was the precocious 20-year-old London Irish star Geraghty who stole the show as his side rattled up four tries and a bonus point in their 29-13 win. Fast forward a week to Ravenhill on Friday night and it was the past-master Humphreys who answered his critics with a Man-of-theMatch performance to inspire Ulster to a bonuspoint revenge win.

Humphreys copped a huge amount of criticism following Ulster's defeat in Reading with even the great Willie John McBride suggesting it was time for the 72-times capped Irish legend to hang up his boots. Yet he rolled back the years to prove there is plenty of life in the old legs with 14 points, including his side's second try.

He said afterwards: "I've faced similar criticism in the past. It's part and parcel of being a professional player in any sport. In the end it's all about performance and we all came through pretty well on Friday night. We were all disappointed with what happened in the game in Reading and we were very determined to bounce right back."

Ulster coach Mark McCall was one of the few people in Belfast who didn't call for Humphreys' head last week.

and he wore a knowing smile at the end of Friday night's victory. "I can't believe David Humphreys comes in for criticism. He's been brilliant for us down the years, " said McCall. "I thought our second-half performance was sound and David was key to that. He put us into some great areas and ran the game superbly, that's what he's all about."

If the dual-qualified Geraghty ran the show last week, then he was treated to a master-class by Humphreys in the return at Ravenhill. Capped by Ireland at under-16 level, Geraghty has since switched allegiance to England and played for them at under-18, 19 and 21 levels. With a father from Mayo, he could still turn out in the green of Ireland, although with an invitation pending to play for England, the land of his birth, in the Hong Kong Sevens in the New Year, it looks as though he is all set to play his international rugby across channel.

"Shane has been a big part of the way London Irish have been playing this season.

Because he has experience of playing at centre, he has all the attributes to play at number 10, " said an admiring Humphreys. "He really is one for the future. He kicks well, is very composed for a young man and he's brave and committed in defence.

He will be an asset to whatever country he finally decides to play for."

As for Geraghty, who was replaced during the second half on Friday night, he's just keeping his head down and enjoying his rugby. "All I'm concentrating on right now is playing well for London Irish and trying to keep my place. Talk of international rugby is a million miles away from my thinking."